Mississippi mayor offers support for same-sex marriage

Members of Flowood's Safe Harbor Family Church lead a procession up the south steps of the state Capitol in Jackson during a rally against discrimination toward members of the state's LBGT community.(Photo: Joe Ellis/The Clarion-Ledger Joe Ellis/The Clarion-Ledger)Buy Photo

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For the first time in the state's history, a sitting mayor has publicly stated his support for same-sex marriage, an announcement preceded by a wave of Mississippi towns approving anti-discrimination resolutions for LGBT residents during the first half of 2014.

Waveland Mayor David Garcia added his name to the Freedom to Marry – and LGBT rights group – list of U.S. mayors who support same-sex marriage.

"We know many people in loving and committed same-sex relationships who are active participants in improving our communities, and we've seen how important marriage has been for them and their families," Garcia said in a statement. "Because I believe in fairness for all American families, I support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples willing to take on that commitment."

Freedom to Marry President Evan Wolfson pointed out that more same-sex couples are raising children in Mississippi than in any other state. "[T]hese children need the legal protections and respect for their families that marriage provides just as much as any other kids," said Wolfson.

Earlier this month, the state law known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act went into effect, a law some Mississippians fear will allow businesses to refuse service to LGBT customers because of owners' religious views on homosexuality.

While state leaders have said the new law mirrors an existing federal law and is not intended to single our gay residents, the law's passage and implantation has made national headlines.